HC Deb 27 February 1984 vol 55 cc8-9W
Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will now give further information about the measures he has undertaken to introduce controls on the sale of gang chains and manacles;

(2) what recent representations he has received about the sale by the United Kingdom of gang chains and manacles for use in torture.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

My right hon. Friend has received a substantial volume of correspondence on this subject following reports in the media and earlier questions in the House. As my right hon. Friend announced on 1 February, in his answer to the hon. Member for Battersea (Mr. Dubs) at c. 245, he made an order that day imposing export controls on leg irons, shackles (excluding hand cuffs) and gang chains specially designed for restraining human beings". This action reflects the Government's concern about trade in these items.